Police divers are searching a dam at the southern Tasmanian property where two of Australia's leading academics were allegedly bludgeoned to death.

Health economist Professor Gavin Mooney, 69, and his partner Delys Weston, 62, were found dead at their Mountain River home early yesterday morning.

Police received a phone call reporting the deaths from the home's landline about 1:00am.

They believe the couple died several hours earlier because there is evidence they were watching television and eating dinner at the time.

A hammer and block buster taken from inside the home are undergoing forensic testing.

SES personnel are conducting a line search of the property and police divers are searching a dam.

Detective Inspector Peter Powell is appealing for help from the public.

"We'd like to know a bit more about his possible movements and anyone who's got knowledge of him, or the couple that are deceased," he said.

"As you'll be aware the area where they live, or lived, is a remote area; there's no close houses to their location but obviously we're making enquiries in the area to see what people know of this couple and this young man."

Ms Weston's 27-year-old son Nicholau Francisco Soares, from Western Australia, has been charged with two counts of murder.

Tributes

The pair are renowned academics who had moved from Perth to Tasmania to retire.

They have been described as a generous couple looking to make a new life.

"Even though he was so globally important and recognised, he was one of those people who always had time for you, he was really responsive, he was really appreciative and encouraging and, most importantly, he had warmth," he said.

"He was in love with the place, he was in love with Tasmania and this is an absolute tragedy and I can't put words to how sad I feel about it."

Friends and colleagues interstate have also paid tribute.

Former national president of the Australian Medical Association, Rosanna Capolingua, says it is a shocking tragedy.

"Professor Mooney always challenged us, he often brought a different perspective to the health economic debate," she said.